NSITF becomes West Africa’s social security reference point

…As Nigeria exports scheme expertise to Gambia

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, has reaffirmed its growing role as a regional leader in social security administration, pledging sustained technical support to The Gambia as part of efforts to deepen workers’ protection and strengthen social security systems across West Africa.

The commitment came at the close of a one-week study tour by the Board of the Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund, IICF, of The Gambia’s Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation, SSHFC, during which the Gambian delegation understudied the operations of the NSITF and the administration of Nigeria’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, represented by the Executive Director (Administration), Samaila Abdu, assured the delegation that the Fund would continue to share technical knowledge, operational experience and best practices with its Gambian counterpart.

“We see this as a partnership between brothers, working together towards the common goal of strengthening social protection and advancing the welfare of workers across our sub-region,” Faleye said.

He stressed that the relationship between both institutions would extend beyond the study visit, describing the engagement as the beginning of a stronger partnership aimed at improving social security administration in the region.

According to him, the week-long programme provided an opportunity for both organisations to exchange ideas on institutional governance, employment injury compensation, compliance management, claims administration, rehabilitation programmes, research, actuarial planning and digital transformation.

Faleye said the sessions highlighted Nigeria’s experience in implementing the Employees’ Compensation Scheme under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010, while also showcasing technology-driven initiatives such as the Employees’ Compensation Scheme Application, ECSA, designed to improve compliance, transparency and service delivery.

He noted that discussions also focused on expanding social security coverage, particularly for underserved sectors, and strengthening employer compliance through effective registration and contribution assessment systems.

The NSITF boss welcomed an invitation by the Gambian authorities for the Fund to undertake a return visit to observe reforms being implemented in The Gambia, saying the invitation reflected the growing confidence and mutual respect between both institutions.

While acknowledging that NSITF continues to strengthen its own operations, Faleye maintained that the organisation remains committed to sharing its experiences in areas where it has recorded significant progress.

He said the collaboration reaffirmed that effective social security administration requires continuous learning, innovation and cooperation among institutions across the sub-region.

Leader of the Gambian delegation and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Employment, Lamine Camara, commended the NSITF for opening its doors to the delegation and expressed optimism that the knowledge acquired would help improve social security administration in The Gambia.

Camara said his country was eager to build on the partnership, particularly in the areas of research, capacity development and institutional strengthening.

“We are eager to learn from the NSITF experience. We also want to improve in the area of research where we are behind, and we believe this collaboration will greatly strengthen our operations,” he said.

He also extended a formal invitation to the NSITF to visit The Gambia to deepen the exchange of knowledge and consolidate the emerging partnership between the two social security institutions.